The Rugby Football Union would block proposals to expand the Guinness Premiership from 12 to 14 clubs.
Premier Rugby (PRL) confirmed over the weekend that talks have begun over the possibility of adding two clubs to the Premiership, a move which would be funded by the league's next television deal.
The thorny issue of ending promotion and relegation by ring-fencing the Premiership has also reportedly been up for discussion - but any changes would have to be approved by the RFU.
Twickenham have always considered promotion and relegation to be sacrosanct and reminded Premier Rugby that the concept remains enshrined in the eight-year deal, which runs until 2016.
And there is currently little interest at the RFU in backing an expanded Premiership.
"Making a change of this nature is not a decision for PRL and its broadcasters to make - it would require RFU approval and that is unlikely to be forthcoming at the current time," said a Twickenham spokesman.
"The concept of relegation and promotion is legally enshrined in the eight-year agreement between PRL, its clubs and the RFU which lasts through until 2016."
Reports have stated that Premier Rugby would consider dropping the LV= Cup, the Anglo-Welsh competition which this season went into a confusing conference format.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3823_6120503,00.html
Premier Rugby (PRL) confirmed over the weekend that talks have begun over the possibility of adding two clubs to the Premiership, a move which would be funded by the league's next television deal.
The thorny issue of ending promotion and relegation by ring-fencing the Premiership has also reportedly been up for discussion - but any changes would have to be approved by the RFU.
Twickenham have always considered promotion and relegation to be sacrosanct and reminded Premier Rugby that the concept remains enshrined in the eight-year deal, which runs until 2016.
And there is currently little interest at the RFU in backing an expanded Premiership.
"Making a change of this nature is not a decision for PRL and its broadcasters to make - it would require RFU approval and that is unlikely to be forthcoming at the current time," said a Twickenham spokesman.
"The concept of relegation and promotion is legally enshrined in the eight-year agreement between PRL, its clubs and the RFU which lasts through until 2016."
Reports have stated that Premier Rugby would consider dropping the LV= Cup, the Anglo-Welsh competition which this season went into a confusing conference format.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3823_6120503,00.html